Danish theater cancels Amy Winehouse play

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — A play about Amy Winehouse that was to premiere in Denmark in January has been canceled after the late British singer's family blocked its use of her music and photos.

Winehouse spokesman Chris Goodman said Monday the family had never granted the theater company permission to use the singer's materials.

The play "Amy" was written by a group of 11 Danish playwrights and was to have opened on Jan. 30 in a 220-seat theater in central Copenhagen. It was based on interviews, concerts, Winehouse's letters and newspaper articles.

The Danish copyright agency Koda had earlier granted permission for Denmark's Royal Theater to perform the play.

"We acted in good faith when we gave them the permission for the performance. We believed that the format — a theater play — was OK," Koda spokesman Nicolaj Hylten-Cavallius said. "We were told by her father and the lawyers around him that we can forget all about the rights for the music, the photos, branding and everything."

Koda said that Winehouse's father, Mitch Winehouse, objected to the use of any of her music, photos or belongings but gave no reason why, Hylten-Cavallus said.

"Amy" depicts the Grammy-winning soul singer's life and relationship with drugs and alcohol. Winehouse, known for her beehive hairdo, died from alcohol poisoning in July last year at the age of 27.